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| Exciting news for people with type 1 diabetes: the NHS is testing a new continuous glucose monitor (CGM) implant that could last for five months before being replaced. Current models don’t last much more than a couple of weeks. |
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Unsure what a CGM is?
It’s essentially a different way to test blood glucose. Whereas the standard method is to test a few times a day, a CGM tests constantly; you always know what your levels are doing. |
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In other exciting technological development, DexCom has partnered up with Google to develop new CGM products.
It’s not as immediately exciting as the NHS testing – new developments might be a few years down the pipeline – but with Google’s reputation for creating tiny devices, the partnership could revolutionise the way blood glucose is tested. |
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This isn’t Google’s first foray into the world of blood glucose testing: development is well on the way for a smart contact lens.
The device, which measures blood glucose levels using your tears, is capable of producing a reading every second.
Initially, it was hoped the device would be available by about 2020, but it might be ready much quicker than that – packaging designs are already floating around the internet, a sure sign that things are coming along nicely. |
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Over on the forum, martina is looking for some collective CGM wisdom:
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Earlier this year, the cannabidiol (CBD) compound found in cannabis was highlighted as a potential treatment for diabetes. This week, “cannabis pills” containing only CBD and not tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – which provides the “high” of smoking – have been sold legally in Europe for the first time.
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CBD could have benefits for diabetes after Israeli scientists observed it could be modified to fit different receptors in the body. The researchers believe CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could treat the inflammation which is known to play a key role in type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, sugar metabolism, heart function and the immune system all seem to benefit from CBD, which could extend CBD treatment to type 1 diabetes patients.
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Cannabis is also associated with several other health benefits for diabetes. In December 2014, cannabis was linked to lower BMI, a lower likelihood of obesity and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes in an Inuit population.
Inhaling cannabis, meanwhile, could demonstrate a dose-dependent pain reduction in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, according to American researchers.
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The research on how cannabis – the most commonly-used illicit drug in the world – can be used in diabetes treatment continues to grow. In previous studies, CBD and another compound, THCV, boosted the metabolism of mice.
This resulted in the mice having reduced cholesterol in the blood and fat in the liver. A number of insulin benefits have also been reported following cannabis use.
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